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Number of Episodes: 26
Written by: Natsuki Takaya
Directed by: Akitaro Daichi
Characters:
Summary: After losing her mother in a car accident, Toru Honda goes to live with her grandfather. Though she has suffered many hardships in her life, having lost her father many years before, she remains a kind-hearted and happy girl. When her grandfather renovates his house and goes to stay with some relatives, he asks Toru if she has a friend she can stay with for a few months. Not wanting to put anyone out, she decides instead to stay in a tent. She finds out later that her tent is on land belonging the Soma family. Toru knows one of the Somas, Yuki, a mysterious and handsome boy that the people at her school refer to as "Prince Yuki." After her tent is destroyed by a landslide, and Toru becomes ill with a fever, Yuki and Shigure Soma take in Toru. They ask her to live with them and help them with their cooking and cleaning. Then, Kyo, another Soma, shows up to fight with Yuki. Not wanting her new friend to be harmed, she grabs Kyo to stop him from fighting. Kyo suddenly transforms into a cat. This is the Soma family secret - 12 of the members transform into members of the Chinese zodiac, and one, Kyo, transforms into the cat, who is not a member of the zodiac. This secret is so well-kept that many members of the Soma family are not aware of it. And Toru is the first outsider who knows.
Commentary: I really loved Fruits Basket. I especially love Toru - we should all try to be a little more like Toru Honda. I think all of the characters are great - my main problem is that we didn't get to see as much of them as I had hoped. I really wanted to know more about Hatsuharu Soma, who didn't show up until later in the show. I really liked his character, and wished he had been more involved. My other problem is that the transforming thing got a little ridiculous after a while - in one episode, when Toru's friends visit, Kyo, Yuki and Shigure kept transforming time and time again. Perhaps this just goes to show you how difficult it is to avoid being hugged (yeah, and maybe Ranma 1/2 is just there to show you how many times it's possible to get dunked in water on a daily basis). But oh well. Like I said, I really loved Fruits Basket.
Rating: 9/10
Reasons for Rating: Great characters and story! Would have loved
more of some of the other Soma characters. Good music. Beautiful
animation.
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